'Joey Strong'

UPDATE: According to representatives from Milton High School, Joey McGlone was not a student there.

MILTON — Family, friends and neighbors gathered at Carpenter's Park in Milton Sept. 21 in a rally against bullying after the recent incident involving 16-year-old Joey McGlone. The rally had a unified theme: "Joey Strong: Justice for Joey: End Bullying."

The rally began at Carpenter’s Park with more than 100 people marching down Munson Highway toward Milton High School chanting, “Joey strong,” "Justice for Joey,” and “End bullying.”

Dana McGlone, mother of Joey McGlone, said she organized the rally to bring to light the issue of bullying that faces children everyday. She said she was too late to help her son and she implores parents to be involved in their children’s lives.

“Parents have to take part,” McGlone said. “Know what’s going on with your kids.”

McGlone said her son was bullied and beaten at Guy Thompson Center while attending a game at Milton High School. Joey committed suicide a few days later. The situation surrounding his suicide is still under investigation.

McGlone said she feels that her son’s death could have been prevented and she is fighting for answers on why he was bullied.

“I will not shed one more tear until I get Justice for my son," she said.

Latisha Mosely, an activist in suicide prevention, was in attendance at the rally. She said her daughter was a friend of Joey’s and they both wanted to come to help shed light on just how serious bullying is.

“Hopefully this brings more awareness to suicide prevention and bullying,” Moseley said. “Hopefully this will also bring [Joey’s] family peace.

McGlone said she will be holding more rallies and encourages anyone in the community who is interested in ending bullying to participate.

The city of Milton released this statement regarding the situation.

“To the best of our knowledge, an incident occurred on the sportsplex property in the city of Milton that may have spilled over from an incident at the Milton High School football game. Law enforcement is conducting a thorough investigation into the specifics.”

The city said more information will be sent out as it is received and it condemns any violent behavior towards any person in any way, shape or form.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 'Joey Strong'